Scriptures: Matthew 20:26–28 | Philippians 2:5–8 | Isaiah 6:8
In the kingdom of God, greatness is not announced; it is revealed through service. God does not measure men by titles, positions, or applause, but by their willingness to serve His purpose with humility and obedience. From Genesis to Revelation, every move of God has been carried out through servants who surrendered themselves fully to His will.
Greatness Defined by Service
Jesus redefined greatness when He spoke to His disciples in Matthew 20:26–28:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
In a world that celebrates power, status, and recognition, Jesus introduced a countercultural principle: the pathway to greatness is service. In God’s kingdom, promotion comes not by self-exaltation but by self-denial.
God Commits Himself to His Servants
God commits Himself to those who serve Him genuinely. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself and entrusts His power to servants—Moses, David, Isaiah, the prophets, the apostles, and ultimately Jesus Christ. Before God uses a man mightily, He first makes him a servant.
A man cannot be a vessel until he becomes a servant. Vessels are useful only when they are yielded, available, and clean. God is not looking for stars; He is looking for servants. He is not impressed by titles; He is attracted to surrendered hearts.
The Supreme Example: Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:5–8 presents Jesus as the perfect model of servanthood:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…”
Though He was God, Jesus humbled Himself, took on human form, and became obedient even unto death on the cross. This shows us that servanthood is not weakness—it is divine strength expressed through humility.
The Call to Serve
God is still asking the same question He asked in Isaiah 6:8:
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
Isaiah’s response reveals the heart of a servant: “Here am I. Send me.” God wants everyone to be a servant, willing and available for His assignment. The call of God is not first about position but about submission.
Do not seek a title; seek a mantle. Titles may impress men, but mantles carry God’s authority and power.
Characteristics of a Servant of God
1. Humility
Humility is the foundation of servanthood. A servant does not seek recognition or applause. He understands that all glory belongs to God. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Without humility, service becomes self-promotion.
2. Evangelism
A true servant is passionate about souls. Jesus served humanity by bringing salvation. Servants of God carry the burden of the Great Commission—to preach the gospel, win souls, and draw men back to God. Evangelism is not optional; it is the heartbeat of servanthood.
3. Obedience
Servants obey instructions without argument. Delayed obedience is disobedience. God moves through those who obey promptly and completely, even when the assignment is uncomfortable or unpopular.
4. Study of the Word of God
A servant must be grounded in God’s Word. The Word guides, corrects, equips, and sustains a servant. Without the Word, service becomes shallow and easily misguided. A servant who studies the Word will serve accurately and effectively.
Conclusion
Becoming a servant of God is not a demotion; it is divine alignment. In God’s kingdom, those who kneel to serve will eventually stand in authority. If you desire to be used by God, start by serving Him faithfully and selflessly.
Remember: In God’s kingdom, greatness is not announced—it is revealed in service.